By train (Renfe) Madrid-Santander. Duration: 4-5 hours. Price: From 20 euros to over 150 euros in high season. Recommended for its convenience and easy access to Santander city centre.
Flight to Santander airport. Iberia is the only airline with direct Madrid-Santander flights, with 3 flights per day. Ryanair is the only airline with direct London-Santander flights, with 1 flight per day.
Flight to Bilbao airport. There are multiple daily flights with Iberia, AirEuropa, Vueling, etc. Santander city is about one hour away by car from Bilbao airport. There is a taxi service from the airport (convenient but expensive) or, if you are planning a longer stay in Cantabria, a great option is to hire a car at Bilbao airport so you can go on excursions during the week
Car. From Madrid, the journey takes around 4-5 hours.
The Province of Santander is located within one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, called Cantabria. In practice, Cantabria and the Province of Santander refer to the same territory. The capital of the Province is also called Santander. Slightly confusing, but in short, "Santander" is both province and capital at the same time, and "Cantabria" is the autonomous community to which both belong.
The hotels we are recommending will generally be in El Sardinero area (in the city) and the ceremony will take place at about 25 minutes away from the city.
Cantabria (or the Province of Santander) is a land nestled between sea and mountains. To the north lies the Cantabrian Sea, to the south there are imposing peaks (for example, the famous Picos de Europa) and, in between, valleys, hills, meadows and forests. Cantabria breathes nature and is a mountainous territory par excellence. But above all, Cantabria is green, with endless meadows, damp forests and life that flourishes thanks to the constant closeness of the sea... and the rain, because it really does rain in Cantabria!!
Meanwhile, the city of Santander opens onto the sea and feels very bright and serene. Life in central Santander always unfolds with the bay as its backdrop. Its historic centre and main streets look out over the bay, which brings together water, mountains and sky. The city centre is a lovely place for a walk, some shopping and eating very well (there is a huge food offering).
The city centre is connected to El Sardinero, a residential part of the city, by a long promenade. Some time ago, El Sardinero was considered the "outskirts" of Santander, but it is now part of the city. It is a quieter area. It offers excellent walks, little shopping and always good places for tapas.
The walk between the city centre and El Sardinero is highly recommended, always following the bay at first and the open sea at the end. It invites you to stroll without rushing, although it can feel long (around an hour and a half) depending on how much time you have. Along the way, you pass the La Magdalena peninsula, a privileged natural viewpoint. There you will find the Magdalena Palace (formerly the summer residence of the Kings of Spain), surrounded by gardens and pathways. Today it hosts the summer courses of the Menéndez Pelayo International University.
In the city centre:
· Walk along the seafront promenade (especially at sunset) from Puertochico to Centro Botín.
· Visit Centro Botín, a contemporary art centre by the sea, on the same seafront promenade (Paseo de Pereda).
· Explore the streets around and parallel to the seafront promenade, with stately buildings, shopping areas, many terraces, restaurants, plenty of tapas and charming corners.
· If you have a bit more time, take a boat trip on the "pedreñeras". See the excursions section below.
In El Sardinero (where the hotels are located)
· There are two magnificent beaches, Primera and Segunda (a remarkable feat of imagination). They are two of the city’s most representative beaches, with fine sand, coastal promenades and spectacular views. This can be as short or as long an outing as you like, because it forms part of the area where the hotels are located.
· In the centre of El Sardinero there is a very pleasant area for a stroll, an ice cream, sitting on a terrace, having tapas, etc.
· Right in the centre of El Sardinero is Gran Casino Sardinero, for anyone who wants to try their luck.
· Near El Sardinero, on the way to the city centre, you will find the Magdalena Palace, another highly recommended visit, with gardens, sea views and several small beaches around it.
Excursions from the city (no car needed)
Boat ride across the bay on the “pedreñeras.”
From the pier located in downtown Santander—next to the Botín Center—large boats known as “pedreñeras” depart, crossing the bay in just a few minutes. This ride is highly recommended, as it offers a view of Santander from the sea as you cross the entire bay. The route runs from the city of Santander to the towns of Pedreña and Somo.These are round-trip routes, and there are two options: (i) take a round-trip “back-to-back” (no more than an hour); or (ii) stay in Somo for as long or as short a time as you like, then return to Santander.
The village of Somo is not especially pretty, but it stands out for its beaches, which are probably the most beautiful and spacious in Cantabria, perfect for walking, swimming if the weather allows, or simply enjoying the lovely view facing Santander.
It is a very special outing because it lets you see the city from the other side of the sea and appreciate the mouth of the Cubas estuary from the famous Puntal beach.
Excursions outside the city (by car)
Santillana del Mar + Museo/Neocueva de Altamira (30 min from the city centre of Santander)
One of the most beautiful towns in Spain, with cobblestone streets and a medieval atmosphere. You can stroll through the historic district, visit the Collegiate Church, and stop by the Altamira Museum to see the replica of the famous prehistoric paintings. It’s perfect for a quiet, picturesque morning.Comillas (40 min from the city centre of Santander)
It’s the perfect place to combine architecture and the sea. You can visit Gaudí’s “El Capricho,” the Palacio de Sobrellano, and take a stroll through the old town. If the weather is nice, it’s worth heading to the beach.
Full-day excursions·
Santillana del Mar and Comillas (the two half-day excursions combined)
San Vicente de la Barquera (can be combined with the Comillas plan)
One of the loveliest coastal excursions. The journey to San Vicente de la Barquera passes through green landscapes, estuaries and stretches of coastline with spectacular views. The town, with its castle, hilltop church and bridges crossing the estuary, is one of the most picturesque places in Cantabria. It is perfect for strolling at leisure, eating good fish or seafood by the sea, enjoying a very authentic atmosphere and visiting the nearby beaches (Merón, Gerra, Oyambre, etc.).
Picos de Europa + Potes
One of the most spectacular excursions. The drive through the Hermida Gorge is worth it on its own. You can stroll through Potes (a beautiful mountain village), go up on the Fuente Dé cable car if the day is clear, and try the typical cocido lebaniego. Ideal for seeing Cantabrian nature and impressive landscapes. Note that the road is slow because of the bends on some stretches.
Castro Urdiales + Laredo
A very pleasant coastal route. In Castro you can walk around the harbour and visit the church by the sea. Afterwards, Laredo (more touristy) is perfect for lunch and a walk along its beach or old quarter (Puebla Vieja). Not far from Laredo, and if time allows, the town of Santoña offers very beautiful views and the chance to visit the birthplace of Cantabrian anchovies, which is no small thing.
Other worthwhile beaches
Loredo
Galizano
Langre
Ajo
Noja, Trengandín and Helgueras
Starting from Madrid (or the other way round)
Day 1: Madrid - Segovia
Day 2: Segovia – Vineyard in Rivera del Duero - Lerma
Day 3: Lerma – Burgos – Santander
Starting from Santander (AFTER THE WEDDING)
Day 1: Santander - Bilbao
Day 2: Bilbao – San Sebastian
Day 3: San Sebastian – Hondarribia - Biarritz
